The Nationals took on a reeling Mets team this week and dealt them something of a death blow during a three-game sweep. Now they get to face a Brewers club that has lost six in a row and is on the verge of a complete collapse itself. Fortuitous timing on the Nats' part.

Davey Johnson will hope this recent string of stellar starting pitching (1.32 ERA over the last six games) continues tonight with Edwin Jackson, who got this run going last weekend against the Braves. He'll face a potent Milwaukee lineup that leads the NL with 116 home runs.

No changes to Johnson's lineup. He's found a combination that works, so why start tinkering now? They'll go up against right-hander Yovani Gallardo, who is having a strong month (2.13 ERA in four July starts).

I'm not at Miller Park for this season, but please keep the conversation going in my stead as always…

Bummer. Was hoping for Mark updates!I think it is time we paid back the Brewers for beating us up over the last few years (yes we have stunk against them). Let's step on their throats and force them to trade Greinke before Sunday!

I do remember it was in Milwaukee that Willingham had that 2 grand slams in consecutive innings game. Maybe with their bullpen, Beast or ALR can do that. Or if JZimm is pitching and hitting, could line up for Zim.Or 3-4 wins without that. Not greedy, just want the curly Ws.

Did you guys already discuss this: it seems to me that Davy has hit another gear. Maybe every contender does it this time a year. I'm talking about howhe handles the staff, mostly. He's got a much quicker hook in protecting a lead. It's like every game is a playoff game or something. Is the the way that contenders always do it? [It's been so long since I followed a contender. LOL]

Extra added bonus for staying up late — getting to watch Nyjer in a cap that does not not have a curly W on it. Sweet.I really am not looking forward to watching that stupid mascot get dunked into the water after home runs. So guys, no gopher balls please, and feel free to pitch around Braun.

In spite of their winning record this year, the Nats have yet to have a long winning streak. Now they are at 5 straight. If EJax can repeat his last performance against the Braves tonight, against the Brewers, we will be set up for another sweep.We've got the rest of the NL East by the neck. Time to choke off all hope.

NatsLady, My gut feeling is the Brewers won't risk injury with Greinke. They are going to get a nice haul for him even if he's a rental and they are gonna want to protect that. PS. if the Braves were willing to trade Delgado for a Dempster rental what do you think they will give up for Greinke?

He's got a much quicker hook in protecting a lead. It's like every game is a playoff game or something. Is the the way that contenders always do it?Maybe it was that Friday game against the Braves? Plus he's been giving his bullpen guys every chance to ramp up for the 2nd half. Its here now. He started out slow because he has a fairly young team and especially the pitching staff. He didn't know what he had … now he has a better idea. They were probably hoping Lidge would end as a reliable go-to there but that didn't happen. Just like CM Wang.

It looks like: Texas,Atlanta, Chicago or the Angels as the front runners for Greinke and the Sox probably don't have enough to get him. I think Atlanta ends up with either Dempster or Greinke; they are obviously very motivated.

I also think that Greinke won't sign an extension with anyone; he seems very motivated to test the FA market so if Atlanta trades say Delgado and Tehran for him they may end up with nothing at the end of the year. Quite a gamble but they are obviously very confident they can go far this year.

What's the betting that Nyjer does something stupid against his old team. We know he's going to be showboating when he gets on base. My betting is that his behavior will affect the out come of the game.Let's hope their bull pen does for us as they did for the Phillies.

Another_Sam,I agree with you, can't wait to see Davey in the post-season. I think he does a great job in-season of thinking ahead (at least as far as I can tell, balancing the short and long-term, but in the post-season it will be fun to see.

Anyone know the Braves minor league system well? It's my understanding they don't have a depth of top prospects to trade, would be surprising if they could land Greinke. Unless they really are willing to part with Teheran, which I doubt.

Using multiple relievers right now is mostly because of the Friday meltdown.When Davey was interviewed he said (paraphrase) "I have to trust more of the guys in my bullpen"…"I do trust them but I have to use them, I have to use more than Burnett and Clippard." Davey has always been about match ups even when some of them look really strange. So my take is if he has a guy in the bullpen who can pitch and its a good match up for him he will use it. I think we will see it more in games against teams in their division. That's my take anyhow?Miller Park is not one the the Nationals favorite parks maybe it just a coincidence but according to ESPN the last time they won there was 2009.Milwaukee is currently on a 6 game losing streak but all of those loses were on the road.

For a team to trade for Greinke and it not be a rental they are going to have to make a big commitment to him mid-season. Greinke will want Cain or Hamels type money and years and it will have to be a team Greinke will want to spend the prime years of his career. I don't think Greinke has refusal rights so there is less of a chance that he get to have a big say in the decision so it makes it more likly that it will be a rental.

So – is Braun on that "always walk" list? During the last few weeks I have mentioned several times how grateful I am that our guys are so classy in their behavior. Nobody pimps homeruns, does any crazy little dances,punches cooling fans, gets kicked out or throws tantrums. Even when Bryce got angry with his bat he did it down in the tunnel out of sight. And he is a teenager. I love it that Nyjer is someone else's headache. Go Nats!!!

PFB, The Braves have Delgado and Tehran who are almost major league ready starters and are considered very good prospects. I am pretty sure the Brewers would make that deal but I am also pretty sure that Greinke won't commit to an extension so they would be taking quite a chance .

From the last post, swami, this cracked me up because I understand it! LOLbaseballswami said… …The only problem [with watching late games] is that if things get exciting at the end it takes me a while to peel myself off the ceiling."

"They were willing to trade Delgado for a Dempster rental.". True, but Dempster is classic rental material at his age, and Delgado has looked kind of erratic, so that's a fair trade. Grienke is NOT worth the high price he'd command as a rental, because of he's traded somewhere without an extension, he could get a little pouty and be a really bad deal. You don't want him on any team unless you can get him to sign an extension, that is, get HIS affirmation it's someplace he wants to be long-term.

Another_Sam said… Did you guys already discuss this: it seems to me that Davy has hit another gear. Maybe every contender does it this time a year.Bingo. (Well, not every contender, but smart managers do)I'm talking about howhe handles the staff, mostly. He's got a much quicker hook in protecting a lead.Exactly. The beginning of the season is for figuring out what you got, in particular, the make-up of the pitching staff — can they get into, and back out of, a bases-loaded jam? Can they get their act together after giving up 3 runs in the first? And/or, you leave pitchers in so that can learn stuff and/or go out on a positive note.The second half of the season, if the manager thinks there enough to win it — is to go out and try and win it with the pieces that you've developed, and with the players that you now understand better (strengths, weaknesses, mental fortitude, etc.)Similarly with the position players. I'm not positive Davey would have as much patience with non-producers (such as Espi in the early season, etc.). Davey knew he had time for Espi to work it out, etc. But now, post All Star Break, leading the division, is for winning games.

NL — I'm pretty sure it was Delgado that we lit up in one of our games in Atlants earlier this year (though I recall their bullpen helped us some there too). I'd go with Teheran's potential over Delgado's but then thst's just me.

I don't think it's clear at all whether Greinke wants an extension (like Gio) or doesn't. It might be that he doesn't because he (a) wants to test free-agency and (b) isn't sure, given his problems, whether he will adjust to a particular city. Does he want a two month deal to see if he is comfortable in a new city;orDoes he want an immediate extension so he does not have the uncertainty of free-agency and another adjustment?Very difficult to say.

Yes, the – don't pitch to – was intended to be taken with a grain of salt. I love the way the guys handled David Wright, especially Drew. As always, hoping for a good, clean game of well played baseball with no injuries. Go Nats!

Steady, We hit Delgado hard in one game; he beat Strasburg in another and pitched pretty well this past Saturday but lost to Lannan. Yes he's been eratic but he's 22 throws 95 MPH and has all the other pitches; I'd take on his potential.

One thing is clear … Kenny is after the guy just like he was Dunn. But, I'm not sure Grienke would have a lot of respect for Kenny Williams. After all Grienke is a self-professed baseball geek and that does apparently factor into to his decision making process. The whole FO is in Milwaukee for this series. It would be interesting to learn if ownership is represented as well.

NatsLady, From everything I read Greinke is all set to test free agency. He is 3 months away and he won't give up this opportunity to pick the one team he wants to be with for the long haul. That said he has expressed an interest in pitching in Atlanta so they probably have a good chance to retain him after this year if they get him but it;s a roll of the dice unless you feel that he is guaranteed to take you over the top and given their current position I don't see how they can make such an assumption.

'The whole FO is in Milwaukee for this series. It would be interesting to learn if ownership is represented as well.' I see no way for us to land Greinke. I wouldn't mess with the core of the team at this time and a package of our minor leaguers won't cut it.

Honestly, I'm not sure we want Greinke for the next six or seven years, do we? And would he sign for less than that? We already have serious financial commitments that are going to come due in that period, and wouldn't you rather extend JZ, and have some payroll flexibility for homegrown talent? I worry that we'll end up with a lot of money committed to a few players (like the Phillies).

I see no way for us to land Greinke. I wouldn't mess with the core of the team at this time and a package of our minor leaguers won't cut it.Which is why I am interested to learn whether ownership is there … it may not be Grienke they are after. Someone was mentioning the upside of 22 year old Delgado? Could be they are there to trade from the 25 man with another team or teams? Still, Grienke seems the most obvious.

NatsLady — I think Greinke is going to cost a lot in terms of prospects in a trade and then dollars later on. I am afraid that we would end up like the Phils and have tons of money committed way down the road that would tie our hands. And yes, you know I would definitely rather sew up JZim long-term.

We may not get Stras in his free agency, and it seems improbable (despite his words) that we'll get Bryce, but I sure would like to have the resources to try to get them.You're thinking like an Orioles fan or something … the Lerners ARE the wealthiest owners in baseball. No Ponzi pyramid schemes for the them. Yes, Natslady even over the Yankees. The idea is to grow the Nats franchise into one that has the same value as the Yankees. To do that you need a Stras and a Harper and then some. I wouldn't underestimate the Lerners. The real problems start after Ted Lerner is gone IMO. Hopefully, he'll hang in there to at least ensure Stras and Harper are signed just like Zimmerman.

We already have serious financial commitments that are going to come due in that period, and wouldn't you rather extend JZ, and have some payroll flexibility for homegrown talent?The really interesting thing is Grienke would take all of that into account. Most players won't. Grienke has dealt with Ted Lerner before and came away impressed. Ted may keep a low public profile but he seems like a go-getter behind the scenes.

BTW, Rendon just crushed another home run during his rehab after moving from the GCL to Auburn. Me thinks we'll be seeing him come September 1st. That should be very interesting indeed! Zim -> first base.

peric, I don't underestimate the Lerners; but there is a limit–even if the limit is the luxury tax. If we can improve the TV deal that would help, for sure.Ted has a great deal more money and leverage with the MLB than does Angelos at this point. The renovation / restoration of the Anacostia area around the stadium is going to aid him in that. They see that Ted is in it in DC for the long haul. Is Angel'O's? Probably not. Me thinks you'll see Ted taking coup when all is said and done with the TV deal.

LOL, the ultimate insult–thinking like an Orioles fan! I've been to Camden Yards exactly once, and that was for a Nats game. So if I'm thinking like one, it's entirely coincidental. Oh, and, CMW. Did I say CMW in this post? Yup, I did. Good. :))))) It's so fun to get peric started…

Kilgore says he hasn't seen any sign of ownership …however, Ted likes to act like he is a founding member of the Armed Forces Security Agency which became the National Security Agency. He likes to hide his movements. Reminds me of George Cave. So, you never know … but I agree it seems unlikely. Who do you cast out of the rotation to fit Grienke in? They'd have to trade Jackson for potential trade bait for Milwaukee … it could happen … if Grienke signs an extension and Jackson on the 1 year plan to free agency … nah …

Wait, I forgot something. Jayson Werth. There ya go, all peric's pet peeves. I think I got 'em.I have no problem with Jayson Werth as a bench bat and late inning defensive replacement. I'm not convinced he deserves to start for this team. Are Davey and ownership going to go along with that? I wonder.

Months ago I was disappointed that the Nats didn't take a flyer on Nori Aoki as a stopgap cf and lead off hitter. We're in good shape now with Harper, Bernadina and Brown holding down the fort quite capably until Mr. Goodwin cometh.That said, looks like Aoki has done well for the Brew Crew, putting up a .353 on base percentage.

We're in good shape now with Harper, Bernadina and Brown holding down the fort quite capably until Mr. Goodwin cometh.Corey Brown batted .300 hit 21 homers, 15 doubles, and 7 triples leading off and went to the IL All Star game. Right now Eury Perez is batting .473 leading off in AAA. Kobernus has had a pretty decent year in Harrisburg. Goodwin is steadily climbing but he has some real power is he a lead off bat? Kind of like Brown? So, why do they need old dudes who can't throw and are average fielders like Bourn? Why do they need Aoki?They don't they have plenty and to spare inside the organization. The REAL problem is teaching fans to have more patience with young prospects. That's the real issue not the talent in this organization …Arrgh that fool Patrick Fitzgerald is still talking about getting a CF in the offseason? Its not happening people Davey said they had plenty and to spare in the organization and he was right. As he mentioned Rizzo is into insurance more than he is. But then Davey can retire tomorrow. Rizzo is there yet … 😉

Mentioned to an AL scout it doesn't look like the Nats will do much at the deadline. He said back, "Well, yeah. Why would they?"1. They are going to shut down Strasburg. The beat types from other towns are now getting Davey angry when they ask … its going to happen.2. The Nats are not in it for one year only. This is a multiyear plan … just the kind Ted Lerner likes to negotiate and put together. Its why he is wealthy today starting out on a shoestring and then building the first mall in Wheaton Plaza. The Nats will execute trades that improve them over the long run. I have no doubts about that.What would an AL scout know about that? He probably believes they won't shut Strasburg down. He is probably from Baltimore.

If I wasn't clear, I don't think they need to go out and get a center fielder, now that Goodwin is on the fast track.Yes, I was just adding on to it … sorry … forgot to mention Erik Komatsu. Enough teams were impressed with him even though he had never played in AAA and barely in AA this past offseason and into the season. The Nats have PLENTY and to spare.

So the Nats organization has a plan for the next 5 years. It appears to be a very good one. Remember when we used to make fun of "The Plan" and thought it would never work out? Guilty as charge right here. It's just so nice to watch these things coming around after those years that were so tough.

"The Plan" and thought it would never work out? Guilty as charge right here.Well we do know one first step to the plan was hiring Rizzo to be Asst. GM and run the draft in 2006. But is it the same plan they had after Bowden resigned and Rizzo took over? Me thinks its quite a bit different and better at looking down the road while managing the present.

Such a sweet hit by ALR! Oh how many times have I eaten my words from last year about him. I'm so glad he is OURS.And Nyjer. I feel like when you were in Junior high school and you had a crush on some guy and then grew up and went, "Seriously?!? What was wrong with me?" And I guess the answer, now as then, was I was desperate for SOMETHING to get excited about with the Nats the first year Nyjer arrived in DC. But now I see him and think, "Seriously?!?"

pericI wasn't wondering what you think – everybody around here is painfully aware of that, along with your propensity for odd definitions and odder stats (e.g., someone who turned 33 two months ago is "pushing 34"; one off year in 2011 suddenly becomes two). I was questioning whether you really thought Davey, Rizzo, et al could take such a suggestion seriously.

I was questioning whether you really thought Davey, Rizzo, et al could take such a suggestion seriously.Right now they appear to be running on all cylinders. If you put a weak bat in this lineup (and Werth has yet to show that he still has it … ) along with Flores one could see where it might break the current hot streak of hitting. I would bring Werth in very slowly and start him off on the bench if they continue this torrid hitting. Why change? Because he has a 126 million contract/ That would be really stupid … why break what ain't broken.

chili.. sorry about that. We are up 4-0. ALR hit a BOMB, and Lombo hit a triple with the bases loaded. 1st inning, Edwin looked good, 2nd inning gave up a couple of bloopers, but got out of it with two pops ups (one that Bryce showed of the cannon). So it's all good right now

Thanks, Sincey. I could get MLB At-Bat, and gameday, I just wasn't getting radio for a while there for C&D, and was coming in late, chagrined to see Mark didn't make the trip. I'm in northern Ill, and the weather is perfect.

Edwin, nice base hit in the top of the 5th. Lombo popped out to Center. Harper hits a single to center and EDWIN hustled and slid into 3rd – safe.. That was a daring move! Base hit by RZ and Bryce at 3rd. Edwin SCORES. Bryce was running, so he made it easy into 3rd! Still 1 out and we are up 5-0

Little more of this first pitch swinging by the Brews (Ramirez filed out to deep right) and EJax could be looking at giving the bullpen a night off. Now EJax Ks Corey Hart on a couple of nasty sliders.

'Chili Mo' — Section 3, My Sofa said…Unky, that's N-Y-J-E-R.NYJER.I can do this all season if I have to.——————-//…sigh…. The sad part is; I stopped and thought it through, that time… It looked right to me…. Imahafta find him a symbol, like Prince used…

I wonder how many do-not-pitch-to lists our boys are on? =)Let's see, you don't pitch to Harper, you don't pitch to Zim, you sure don't pitch to LaRoche, you'd rather not pitch to Morse, and these days, you don't pitch to Espi either. Sheesh, who can you pitch to? Flores.

Salivating at the thought of this rotation for 4-5 years:StrasburgGioZimmermann GreinkeDetwiler/Meyer/Purke/GiolitoHopefully Rizzo gives him the hard sell tonight, so even if they don't trade for him…he considers coming here via free agency.

Only one comment and one question for you guys tonight.Comment: is The Beast quietly being overlooked, if only in the sense that he's hitting superbly and even getting his power back at times, but he's not been featured much, given the other talent on this team.The question, tongue in cheek: are you willing to have Henry come in NOW, 8th or 9th, at 8-zip, if it's still 8-zip?

rogieshan said… Is no lead safe anymore after last Friday's implosion? Shouldn't Moore and DeRosa be in the game now to get a few extra at-bats in to stay sharp? July 26, 2012 10:32 PM _________________________________I think so + Corey Brown.

Nate Karns threw another gem at Potomac. He's 7-2 with a 1.84 ERA.Harrisburg's game was suspended in the second inning, but Goodwin already had a hit and two RBIs. The downer is that Danny Rosenbaum allowed three hits and a run in the first.Eury Perez had four base hits at Syracuse.

Okay. I really hope that Henry is at least fair-to-middling Henry. For his sake more than ours. Because I know, if he isn't, Davey will pull him. He won't let Henry lose the game. But wouldn't it be grand if he did okay tonight?

No doubt The Beast is well-appreciated by folks here and Nats fans generally, but I haven't seen him interviewed on MASN post-game (maybe I missed one?), highlighted by the media, etc., who focus on the pitching, Harper and Zimm, mainly. I guess I mean he's not being spotlighted, mainly due to other events, like Storen coming back, stuff like that.

Nattering, it may be that he's just getting overshadowed, rather than overlooked. Zim is lights out, the pitching staff is on a run, and there are just enough compelling story lines now that he's finally getting hot that he's just not getting the spotlight. Just a guess.

Henry .. there you go again. Why .. oh why are the Nationals so patient with this guy. Let someone else take the chance with Henry; if he makes good, so what. with the two runs given up on the monster shot to the camera well in cf, henry's e.r.a. has to be near 6.00 or higher.

HRod-Baby steps!!! Baby steps!!! His stuff is so electric…no way they get rid of him now. I usually don't advocate pitchers showing emotion, but I would love to see Henry get mad out there…anything but the deer in headlights look. If you are mad, it is hard to be afraid at the same time.

Leave it to Davey, and of course Oh Henry!, to liven up the back end of the game. If I were a Brewer, I'd be terrified to stand in, figuring if he doesn't know where it's going, how do I?But Davey's doing the right thing. Doubtful Henry's head can be straightened out this year, but you either deal him for something or hope that, like Hanrahan, if you hold on to him his head matures next year.

Gosh…..all the piling on poor HRod. Ya know he is 9 for 12 in save opportunities. In 26 innings he has given up only 16 hits while fanning 29. His problem….20 walks. But the way a lot of you people pile on the guy, you would think he was walking people on purpose.

No walks, a hit batter … and after the home run right down the middle … what would have been a wild pitch. But then he gets the come backer. Henry's working on it. Definitely, absolutely looks like a confidence problem. I hope psychologists Davey and Catty can work this out but perhaps this would be a job for Manny Acta who speaks Spanish and maybe trained in the area?

Why is it that Henry has no options left? I don't really understand the rules on that…Was he in the majors for a certain number of years with the A's?? Just wondering when his options were used if anyone knows…

In the feel good department — even for "the other guys"1. Henderson, for Brewers, 29 years old, *finally* makes his major league debut — pitches a 1-2-3 inning against the Nats.2. Mets, 23 year old Matt Harvey makes his major league debut. He starting, and, after four innings has allowed no runs, 8 K's, 3 H, 1BB, and has two hits himself.

This team has come so far since the night Werth was injured, he will be able to assume a role more similar to the one he had in Phila…Not as much weight on his shoulders, I think he'll play a lot better

@Swift Eagle — Henry played for the A's in the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons. Each player gets three option years. If any of those seasons didn't qualify as one of Henry's three options, Rizzo would have figured it out by now.